Britain's former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest this morning following allegations made against the former prince - who turned 66 today - after the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The arrest comes as pictures circulated online appearing to show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, with plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's home.
Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire, west of London, and Norfolk in eastern England today, Thames Valley Police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
"It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
"We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."
Earlier this month, King Charles made clear his "profound concern" at allegations over his brother's conduct.
In a statement released this afternoon, King Charles said "the law must take its course" after expressing his "deepest concern" over the arrest of his brother.
"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," Charles said.
It is the first arrest of a senior member of the British royal family since King Charles I, who was detained during the English Civil War in 1647.
Princess Anne was convicted under the Dangerous Dogs Act and fined £500 in 2002 after one of her dogs, Dotty, bit two children but she was not arrested.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
